Vegas Again?

I know we were just here a few short months ago, but Salty had another convention here and I thought I would tagalong again. Since we can't go away for our anniversary at the end of the month (April), we thought this was a good opportunity to celebrate our anniversary and celebrate Salty's 40th at the same time.

And for all of my RL Friends, I know I said I hated Vegas (hate is such a strong word and now here I am eating crow - and it tastes bad going down, let me tell you). The part I hated was the traffic (horrible on the Strip) and the smoke and the crowds. I don't know if it was the hotel we stayed in, the fact that I don't have to worry about what trouble Cab is going to get into, or what, but it seems that this trip has been so much better. The casino doesn't reek of smoke and even thought it is still crowded, it such a nicer environment.

First, we're staying at the Venetian Hotel. Not to knock the NewYork NewYork, but this hotel is quite amazing. For about the same price, the room is double the size and quite spectacular. Sorry about the photos, I forgot my camera and have to make do for now with my phone.

*sigh* that is what happens when you try to cram a mini girls' night 14 hours before your flight leaves and you haven't packed. (I DID say I was a procrastinator, right?)

standing in the "living room" area looking up to the "bedroom"

view of the pool area from the room

bathroom sink area with double sinks (Salty is in heaven) & that is only 1/2 of the bathroom!!

But the attention to detail is amazing. AND, there are 3 flat screen TVs in the room! Notice above the sink on the left. A bathroom TV. Who knew people actually live this way. I've been staying Holiday Inn style for so many years, this is a big change. (not knocking Holiday Inn, but this sure is nice for a change.)

We arrived Saturday and spent the better part of 2 hours getting our rental car. The line for Dollar was down around the corner and every other car place had no lines. We soon found out that everyone else was charging $300-400/wk to Dollars' $125. No wonder the line was atrocious. Since we booked the trip through the American Express concierge (did you know you could do this?) we called them up and had them research another rental and book another car. What do you know, Enterprise ended up matching the price and when we went to pick up the car in the lot, they ended up upgrading us to the next level car. (only mid-size from compact, don't get your panties in a twist).

After checking out the hotel and roaming the grounds, (they have amazing pool, gardens and spa area on the 4th floor (see the photo above for the aerial shot) and another secluded pool on the 10th floor. We decided to try and get tickets for Ray Ramano/Kevin James show at the Mirage. Since the show was sold out, we were told to come back an hour before the show to see if there were any no show tickets available. We got our stand by number and waited.

I decided that I wanted a drink and while I was in line, Salty was standing at a high top waiting for me. I looked over and he was talking to some guy that looked a bit like Adam Sandler. (yes, THAT Adam Sandler). I gave Salty a look, but he just smiled at me and continued talking to the guy. It really did look a lot like Adam, but this guy appeared better looking and I decided, no, just a look-a-like. (sort of like my Heath Ledger encounter in NYC the day before he died last year) I convince myself that it can't possibly be a real life CELEBRITY. I paid for my drink and turned around and realized, that it really was MY husband talking to ADAM SANDLER ! and he was walking away!!!!! (ummm hello, husband, did you think of saying could you stick around to meet my wife????) LOL

We didn't get tickets for the show though, they ran out at standby # 12 and we were # 13.

Damn unlucky 13, anyway.

Does this mean we shouldn't play the tables???

We are planning to go to Red Rock Canyon today.

AFTER I go buy a camera.

Got to go pick up Salty from his convention.

I have been Twittering a bit (although I don't really know what the heck I am doing.)
You can follow me there - I think it is cbink90.

Ciao peeps!

Binks(from the Venetian)